Lassa Fever

Lassa fever is an acute, viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus (LASV), a member of the Arenaviridae family. It is endemic to parts of West Africa, including Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia. Transmission primarily occurs through contact with the excreta of the multimammate rat (Mastomys natalensis). While many cases are mild or asymptomatic, severe disease can lead to multi-organ failure and death.

The causative agent is the Lassa virus, an enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus. Humans are infected through inhalation of aerosolized rodent excreta, ingestion of contaminated food, or direct contact of broken skin with rodent materials. Person-to-person transmission occurs via contact with infected blood, tissue, or bodily fluids, particularly in healthcare settings.

LASV infects macrophages and dendritic cells, causing immune dysregulation and high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The virus disseminates via the lymphatic system to the liver, spleen, and kidneys. Vascular permeability increases due to endothelial damage, leading to plasma leakage, hypovolemia, and coagulopathy, often resulting in systemic shock.

The disease is endemic in West Africa, with estimated annual infections between 100,000 and 300,0

1. Case fatality rates are low (approx. 1%) among the general population but can exceed 15% in hospitalized patients. Both genders are equally susceptible; prevalence is highest in rural populations with high rodent contact.

• Residing in rural West Africa
• Handling or consuming Mastomys rats
• Poor sanitation/food storage
• Healthcare occupation without PPE
• Pregnancy (third trimester carries higher mortality)

A. Early Symptoms

• Fever


• Malaise


• Fatigue


• Headache B. Common Symptoms


• Pharyngitis


• Cough


• Abdominal pain


• Vomiting


• Diarrhea C. Advanced Symptoms


• Mucosal bleeding (gums, nose)


• Facial edema


• Chest pain


• Tremors


• Encephalopathy D. Emergency Symptoms


• Hypotension


• Shock


• Seizures


• Respiratory distress


• Coma

• Febrile status
• Pharyngeal exudate or ulcers
• Hepatomegaly
• Lymphadenopathy
• Tachycardia and hypotension (if shock develops)

A. Clinical Assessment: Based on endemic exposure and febrile illness.
B. Laboratory Testing: RT-PCR for viral RNA; ELISA for IgM/IgG antibodies.
C. Imaging Studies: Chest X-ray for pulmonary infiltrates.
D. Functional Tests: Renal and liver function tests.
E. Biopsy Findings: Usually contraindicated due to hemorrhagic risk.
F. Genetic Testing: Viral sequencing for strain identification.
G. Differential Diagnosis: Malaria, Ebola, yellow fever, typhoid.

Test Name: Lassa Virus RT-PCR
Type: Blood Test
Purpose: Confirm active infection
Expected Findings: Positive viral RNA
Interpretation: Confirms current Lassa fever infection

• Chest X-ray: Used to identify pleural effusion or pneumonitis; aids in respiratory management.

• Malaria: Characterized by parasites on blood smear.
• Ebola/Marburg: Similar presentation but different geographic/viral etiology.
• Typhoid fever: Differentiated by blood cultures.

• Sensorineural hearing loss
• Spontaneous abortion
• Multi-organ failure
• Myocarditis

A. Lifestyle Modifications: Proper food storage (rodent-proofing).
B. Preventive Measures: PPE, hand hygiene, barrier nursing.
C. Medical Treatment: Ribavirin (nucleoside analog) administered intravenously.
D. Surgical Treatment: Not applicable.
E. Interventional Procedures: Supportive care (fluids, electrolytes).
F. Rehabilitation: Speech/auditory therapy if hearing loss persists.
G. Emergency Management: Aggressive fluid resuscitation and vasopressors for shock.

Early diagnosis and Ribavirin therapy significantly improve outcomes. Recovery is slow; post-fever sensorineural hearing loss is a common sequela.

Vector control (rodent-proofing homes), hygiene practices, and strict infection control in hospitals.

The following homeopathic remedies have been historically indicated for symptoms associated with Lassa Fever. Selection should be based on individualized symptom totality and constitutional assessment.

• Homeopathy by Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad (r.a.) — Primary clinical reference
• Robin Murphy — Lotus Materia Medica (3rd Edition)
• William Boericke — Pocket Manual of Homœopathic Materia Medica & Repertory
• ICD-10/ICD-11 Classification — World Health Organization
• Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine (Reference Standard)

This clinical reference profile is compiled from authoritative medical sources for educational purposes. Always verify clinical data with current medical guidelines.

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